Spring's Class of '13 Honored in Three Commencement Ceremonies

Published 05.18.2013

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Pennsylvania College of Technology held three commencement ceremonies May 17-18 for more than 875 students who petitioned to graduate following the Spring 2013 semester. The Friday afternoon proceedings honored students from the schools of Business and Computer Technologies, Hospitality, and Transportation Technology. The schools of Industrial and Engineering Technologies, Integrated Studies and Natural Resources Management were spotlighted Saturday morning; students from the schools of Construction and Design Technologies and Health Sciences graduated that afternoon. The student speakers were Kierstin G. Steer, South Williamsport, who received a bachelor’s degree in technology management Friday; Kyle S. Mullin, of Pottsville, who received a bachelor’s degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology Saturday morning; and Jonathan M. Probst, of Allison Park, who received a bachelor’s degree in residential construction technology and management Saturday afternoon. The college also bestowed Distinguished Teaching Awards, two alumni awards and a posthumous degree to Michael Storm Fischer.

− Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor; Whitnie-Rae Mays, student photographer;
Jennifer A. Cline, writer/editor-One College Avenue; Joseph S. Yoder, public information director;
Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer; and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday


A happy fan helps Alyssa K. Bedison celebrate her associate degree in legal assistant/paralegal.

 

A happy fan helps Alyssa K. Bedison celebrate her associate degree in legal assistant/paralegal.

Relieved veterans of MGT497, a Business Policy and Strategy capstone course, jubilantly assemble in a hotel ballroom.

Relieved veterans of MGT497, a Business Policy and Strategy capstone course, jubilantly assemble in a hotel ballroom.

Added ingredients enhance the mortarboard of Jessica A. Reppert, a culinary arts and systems major from Northampton.

Added ingredients enhance the mortarboard of Jessica A. Reppert, a culinary arts and systems major from Northampton.

Chefs Charles R. Niedermyer and Michael J. Ditchfield, faculty members in the School of Hospitality, share in their students' proud day.

Chefs Charles R. Niedermyer and Michael J. Ditchfield, faculty members in the School of Hospitality, share in their students' proud day.

Christopher H. Van Stavoren, an assistant professor of automotive technology (center), reconnects with students after Friday's ceremony.

Christopher H. Van Stavoren, an assistant professor of automotive technology (center), reconnects with students after Friday's ceremony.

Synchronize your watches: Registrar Denny Dunkleberger apprises students of their imminent departure from The Genetti.

Synchronize your watches: Registrar Denny Dunkleberger apprises students of their imminent departure from The Genetti.

Health information technology graduate Tiffany S. Vaughn carries balloons and optimism.

Health information technology graduate Tiffany S. Vaughn carries balloons and optimism.

Reuniting with well-wishers outside the Arts Center

Reuniting with well-wishers outside the Arts Center

Students rise in tribute to Gerri F. Luke on her selection as this year's Master Teacher.

Students rise in tribute to Gerri F. Luke on her selection as this year's Master Teacher.

Robin K. Morrison, graduating in the two-year hospitality management major, draws encouragement from Chef Paul E. Mach, assistant professor of hospitality management and culinary arts.

Robin K. Morrison, graduating in the two-year hospitality management major, draws encouragement from Chef Paul E. Mach, assistant professor of hospitality management and culinary arts.

A family takes advantage of a less-crowded photo venue west of the Arts Center.

A family takes advantage of a less-crowded photo venue west of the Arts Center.

Near the corner of West Fourth and William streets – the crossroads between college life and the world beyond – students eagerly await graduation.

Near the corner of West Fourth and William streets – the crossroads between college life and the world beyond – students eagerly await graduation.

The Registrar's Office assists the steady flow of students checking in for commencement.

The Registrar's Office assists the steady flow of students checking in for commencement.

Bachelor's-degree graduates Ryan J. and Kierstin G. Steer gather for a celebratory family photo with (from left) sister, Anna; mother Rebecca A. (an Admissions Office assistant at Penn College); sister Jamie L. (a human services student at the college); and father Ralph. Kierstin, Friday's student speaker, earned a degree in technology management; her brother graduated in plastics and polymer engineering technology.

Bachelor's-degree graduates Ryan J. and Kierstin G. Steer gather for a celebratory family photo with (from left) sister, Anna; mother Rebecca A. (an Admissions Office assistant at Penn College); sister Jamie L. (a human services student at the college); and father Ralph. Kierstin, Friday's student speaker, earned a degree in technology management; her brother graduated in plastics and polymer engineering technology.

Students signal their excitement from across the room.

Students signal their excitement from across the room.

Friday's procession is blessed by sunshine – and a visit from the college mascot.

Friday's procession is blessed by sunshine – and a visit from the college mascot.

Friends help early childhood education graduates Kirstie A. Swisher (left), and Kelsey A. McGarry preserve a memory in the college's Remembrance Garden.

Friends help early childhood education graduates Kirstie A. Swisher (left), and Kelsey A. McGarry preserve a memory in the college's Remembrance Garden.

River Valley Transit buses carried graduates and their guests from campus to commencement and back.

River Valley Transit buses carried graduates and their guests from campus to commencement and back.

The family of the late Michael S. Fischer visits a commemorative brick on campus prior to Saturday morning's ceremony.

The family of the late Michael S. Fischer visits a commemorative brick on campus prior to Saturday morning's ceremony.

David S. Price's grandmother Virginia (left) and mother Ana browse the Wildcat wares in The College Store on Saturday morning; Price received a bachelor's degree in construction management.

David S. Price's grandmother Virginia (left) and mother Ana browse the Wildcat wares in The College Store on Saturday morning; Price received a bachelor's degree in construction management.

The Keystone Dining Room hosted receptions for graduates and their families both days.

The Keystone Dining Room hosted receptions for graduates and their families both days.

... and Alexander T. Reiver, who earned a two-year degree in landscape/horticulture technology: landscape emphasis.

... and Alexander T. Reiver, who earned a two-year degree in landscape/horticulture technology: landscape emphasis.

Drew F. Graves, a diesel technology grad, with an entourage that knows how to travel

Drew F. Graves, a diesel technology grad, with an entourage that knows how to travel

Spring flowers and a window on the season's greenery adorn a reception in the Keystone Dining Room.

Spring flowers and a window on the season's greenery adorn a reception in the Keystone Dining Room.

Nathan M. Galbraith supplements his electronics and computer engineering technology: robotics and automation emphasis degree with a snack.

Nathan M. Galbraith supplements his electronics and computer engineering technology: robotics and automation emphasis degree with a snack.

Amber B. Phillips, an applied human services graduate, exults by the entrance fountains.

Amber B. Phillips, an applied human services graduate, exults by the entrance fountains.

... Murtdha M. Al-Abdullah, a plastics and polymer engineering technology major ...<br />

... Murtdha M. Al-Abdullah, a plastics and polymer engineering technology major ...

... including Jenna H. Weston, a forest technology student  ...

... including Jenna H. Weston, a forest technology student ...

Penn College's entrance sign poses a fitting backdrop for graduates and families capturing one last photo before their exit ...

Penn College's entrance sign poses a fitting backdrop for graduates and families capturing one last photo before their exit ...

A colorful crowd cheers as soon-to-be grads march in.

A colorful crowd cheers as soon-to-be grads march in.

Waving to loved ones

Waving to loved ones

Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, greets the audience.

Paul L. Starkey, vice president for academic affairs/provost, greets the audience.

Friday's speaker, Kierstin G. Steer

Friday's speaker, Kierstin G. Steer

Gerri F. Luke, face buried at center, registers the shock of recognition as President Davie Jane Gilmour reveals her selection as Master Teacher.

Gerri F. Luke, face buried at center, registers the shock of recognition as President Davie Jane Gilmour reveals her selection as Master Teacher.

The president congratulates Kierstin G. Steer after turning her tassel as class representative.

The president congratulates Kierstin G. Steer after turning her tassel as class representative.

Board of Directors Chairman Robert A. Secor offers his encouragement to a new graduate.

Board of Directors Chairman Robert A. Secor offers his encouragement to a new graduate.

Anita R. Girton, assistant professor of computer information technology (right), congratulates daughter Anna Maree Manciet as she receives a bachelor's degree in web and interactive media.

Anita R. Girton, assistant professor of computer information technology (right), congratulates daughter Anna Maree Manciet as she receives a bachelor's degree in web and interactive media.

A milestone moment with the president

A milestone moment with the president

Graduating in business administration: human resource management concentration, Matthew D. Christopher shakes hands with proud father Daniel K., assistant professor of health information.

Graduating in business administration: human resource management concentration, Matthew D. Christopher shakes hands with proud father Daniel K., assistant professor of health information.

Graduates seize the moment in a variety of ways: the acknowledgement of family members whooping from the loge ...

Graduates seize the moment in a variety of ways: the acknowledgement of family members whooping from the loge ...

Rory K. Kania, who already holds a variety of degrees from majors in the School of Natural Resources Management, adds a bachelor's in technology management to his toolkit.

Rory K. Kania, who already holds a variety of degrees from majors in the School of Natural Resources Management, adds a bachelor's in technology management to his toolkit.

With a video screen projecting the activity below, a student accepts her diploma on the spacious CAC stage.

With a video screen projecting the activity below, a student accepts her diploma on the spacious CAC stage.

A future so bright, they've gotta wear shades

A future so bright, they've gotta wear shades

Megan E. Endres, graduating with a four-year degree in culinary arts and systems, confidently strides toward her career.

Megan E. Endres, graduating with a four-year degree in culinary arts and systems, confidently strides toward her career.

... the chillness of a

... the chillness of a "hang 10" gesture ...

... apprehension that turns to sheer satisfaction ...

... apprehension that turns to sheer satisfaction ...

... the poignant power of a silent wave ...

... the poignant power of a silent wave ...

... and the triumphant fist pump.

... and the triumphant fist pump.

Surroundings that beautifully fit the majesty of the moment

Surroundings that beautifully fit the majesty of the moment

Gowns of blue (associate degree students) and black (baccalaureate candidates) fill the center orchestra section.

Gowns of blue (associate degree students) and black (baccalaureate candidates) fill the center orchestra section.

Emblems of a special day: programs, diplomas, honor cords – and the hands with which new alumni will craft their futures.

Emblems of a special day: programs, diplomas, honor cords – and the hands with which new alumni will craft their futures.

Jami L. Hughes, coordinator of intercollegiate athletics and sports information (in yellow), is among the college employees on hand to applaud the Class of 2013.

Jami L. Hughes, coordinator of intercollegiate athletics and sports information (in yellow), is among the college employees on hand to applaud the Class of 2013.

With diploma covers in hand, graduates file out of the theater.

With diploma covers in hand, graduates file out of the theater.

Abounding joy

Abounding joy

Master Teacher and daughter (who made a surprise visit from Maine)

Master Teacher and daughter (who made a surprise visit from Maine)

Thomas E. Ask, associate professor of industrial and human factors design, reads the inscription on the back of his hand-painted glass artwork that he presented to Michael S. Fischer's family. The painting, which depicts the rolling green hills that were the late cross-country runner's playground, is signed by Ask with the words:

Thomas E. Ask, associate professor of industrial and human factors design, reads the inscription on the back of his hand-painted glass artwork that he presented to Michael S. Fischer's family. The painting, which depicts the rolling green hills that were the late cross-country runner's playground, is signed by Ask with the words: "For Michael Fischer, a designer of wonderful things who left before we were ready."

Robert M. Fischer points out a group of former cross-country runners who gathered in the balcony on behalf of his son.

Robert M. Fischer points out a group of former cross-country runners who gathered in the balcony on behalf of his son.

Cross-country teammates, coach Michael J. Paulhamus (under the

Cross-country teammates, coach Michael J. Paulhamus (under the "D" in "WILDCATS") and the Fischer family meet for a postcommencement luncheon at the Paulhamus home in South Williamsport.

The overriding sentiment of the weekend

The overriding sentiment of the weekend

An appropriate adornment for an early childhood education major’s cap.

An appropriate adornment for an early childhood education major’s cap.

Graduates smile as they wait in front of the Community Arts Center.

Graduates smile as they wait in front of the Community Arts Center.

Genuine joy shines through.

Genuine joy shines through.

Applied human services graduate Ellen M. Bardo

Applied human services graduate Ellen M. Bardo

Ashley M. Stuck, an applied human services major, registers her graduation gladness .

Ashley M. Stuck, an applied human services major, registers her graduation gladness .

Early childhood education major Amanda A. Galer

Early childhood education major Amanda A. Galer

Brian M. Guinter, graduating with an associate degree in early childhood education.

Brian M. Guinter, graduating with an associate degree in early childhood education.

Board of Directors Award-winner Judy L. McMullen, an applied human services graduate, has her photo taken with her faculty adviser, Susan Slamka, and her proud children.

Board of Directors Award-winner Judy L. McMullen, an applied human services graduate, has her photo taken with her faculty adviser, Susan Slamka, and her proud children.

Nursing graduates show the results of their cap-decorating “party.”

Nursing graduates show the results of their cap-decorating “party.”

A little help from a friend in graduation preparations

A little help from a friend in graduation preparations

Director of Nursing Sharon G. Auker (face hidden) offers a congratulatory hug to a nursing grad.

Director of Nursing Sharon G. Auker (face hidden) offers a congratulatory hug to a nursing grad.

Building automation grads play it cool as they await the procession.

Building automation grads play it cool as they await the procession.

A dental hygiene tradition

A dental hygiene tradition

Laughing it up with classmates is part of the weekend’s celebration.

Laughing it up with classmates is part of the weekend’s celebration.

An unfading smile carries a graduate to the Community Arts Center.

An unfading smile carries a graduate to the Community Arts Center.

A justifiably proud grin for the camera

A justifiably proud grin for the camera

Kathrine E. Dixon offers an enthusiastic graduation-day greeting.

Kathrine E. Dixon offers an enthusiastic graduation-day greeting.

Graduates from the School of Health Sciences pause with Tina M. Evans, associate professor of applied health studies.

Graduates from the School of Health Sciences pause with Tina M. Evans, associate professor of applied health studies.

Savoring the moment

Savoring the moment

A family gathers for a photo.

A family gathers for a photo.

A new dental hygiene alumna poses with family.

A new dental hygiene alumna poses with family.

A moment with Dad

A moment with Dad

President Davie Jane Gilmour joins the family of Michael Storm Fischer in the Capitol Lounge prior to Saturday morning's ceremony, at which she awarded him a posthumous degree. Fischer, a member of and volunteer coach for the Wildcat cross-country team and a student photographer for College Information and Community Relations, died last summer – just shy of earning a degree in industrial and human factors design.

President Davie Jane Gilmour joins the family of Michael Storm Fischer in the Capitol Lounge prior to Saturday morning's ceremony, at which she awarded him a posthumous degree. Fischer, a member of and volunteer coach for the Wildcat cross-country team and a student photographer for College Information and Community Relations, died last summer – just shy of earning a degree in industrial and human factors design.

Flower sales were brisk along West Fourth Street.

Flower sales were brisk along West Fourth Street.

Elliott Strickland with Saturday morning's student speaker

Elliott Strickland with Saturday morning's student speaker

While waiting to enter the auditorium, President Gilmour (center) talks with Chairman Secor and Carolyn R. Strickland, assistant vice president for academic services.

While waiting to enter the auditorium, President Gilmour (center) talks with Chairman Secor and Carolyn R. Strickland, assistant vice president for academic services.

The day's VIPs parade through the Arts Center.

The day's VIPs parade through the Arts Center.

Speaker Kyle S. Mullin keeps the mood light.

Speaker Kyle S. Mullin keeps the mood light.

The recipient of this year's Alumni Achievement Award, Jennifer R. Brinkley is an inspiration to young woman in so-called STEM careers.

The recipient of this year's Alumni Achievement Award, Jennifer R. Brinkley is an inspiration to young woman in so-called STEM careers.

Alumni mentor Robert Capps offers tips for graduates embarking on full-time employment.

Alumni mentor Robert Capps offers tips for graduates embarking on full-time employment.

Quick on his feet, award-winning speech instructor John D. Maize delivers on an impromptu assignment.

Quick on his feet, award-winning speech instructor John D. Maize delivers on an impromptu assignment.

Excellence in Teaching honoree Ryan P. Good says the best award is the opportunity to teach students.

Excellence in Teaching honoree Ryan P. Good says the best award is the opportunity to teach students.

As his seated classmates move their tassels from right to left in unison, Kyle S. Mullin continues a graduation tradition.

As his seated classmates move their tassels from right to left in unison, Kyle S. Mullin continues a graduation tradition.

Saturday afternoon's student speaker, Jonathan M. Probst, has a last-minute meeting with Elliott Strickland, Penn College's chief student affairs officer.

Saturday afternoon's student speaker, Jonathan M. Probst, has a last-minute meeting with Elliott Strickland, Penn College's chief student affairs officer.

Spotting friends in high places

Spotting friends in high places

A nursing grad adds a personal touch to her graduation garb.

A nursing grad adds a personal touch to her graduation garb.

Jonathan M. Probst at the podium

Jonathan M. Probst at the podium

A turn of the tassel makes it official for Jonathan M. Probst.

A turn of the tassel makes it official for Jonathan M. Probst.

Veterans – wearing honor cords of red, white and blue – stand to be recognized by an appreciative audience.

Veterans – wearing honor cords of red, white and blue – stand to be recognized by an appreciative audience.

Kelly M. Lucas-Clark, a nursing major commissioned last week in the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps, is congratulated by President Gilmour.

Kelly M. Lucas-Clark, a nursing major commissioned last week in the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps, is congratulated by President Gilmour.

A few more hugs while waiting in the wings

A few more hugs while waiting in the wings

Yes, gentlemen, you did it!

Yes, gentlemen, you did it!

Brian Arnold, a building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration major who will be commissioned in August as an Army ROTC officer, takes part in one of Saturday's ceremonies.

Brian Arnold, a building science and sustainable design: architectural technology concentration major who will be commissioned in August as an Army ROTC officer, takes part in one of Saturday's ceremonies.

On this day, it's a very lucky number.

On this day, it's a very lucky number.

Eager to tackle what lies ahead

Eager to tackle what lies ahead

How's the day going? Very well, indeed!

How's the day going? Very well, indeed!

Moving quickly into an exciting future

Moving quickly into an exciting future

Helping a photographer frame the image

Helping a photographer frame the image

A less-than-subtle shout-out to a No. 1 fan

A less-than-subtle shout-out to a No. 1 fan

Enjoying his day in the sun

Enjoying his day in the sun

Taking it all in

Taking it all in

The Friday afternoon crowd files out of the Community Arts Center in this view from above the marquee.

The Friday afternoon crowd files out of the Community Arts Center in this view from above the marquee.

An obvious sense of accomplishment

An obvious sense of accomplishment

Sharing a family occasion

Sharing a family occasion

Multiple devices capture a singular event.

Multiple devices capture a singular event.

A special visitor greets commencement guests.

A special visitor greets commencement guests.

Business administration: marketing concentration Megan L. Ripka, with friend and co-worker Heidi V. Mack

Business administration: marketing concentration Megan L. Ripka, with friend and co-worker Heidi V. Mack

The Wildcat makes its rounds.

The Wildcat makes its rounds.

School of Hospitality graduate Megan E. Endres: another

School of Hospitality graduate Megan E. Endres: another "degrees that work" success story

Striking a pose with a faculty mentor

Striking a pose with a faculty mentor

A multigenerational celebration

A multigenerational celebration

Relishing their academic accomplishment

Relishing their academic accomplishment

A bear hug lifts the mascot off its paws.

A bear hug lifts the mascot off its paws.

A furry friend finds Lady Wildcat Kierstin G. Steer.

A furry friend finds Lady Wildcat Kierstin G. Steer.

A bump from a booster

A bump from a booster

A round of smiles

A round of smiles

A beaming Kathleen K. Hart says it all.

A beaming Kathleen K. Hart says it all.

A day to share with friends ...

A day to share with friends ...

... friends ...

... friends ...

A photo op gives classmates one more reason to stick together.

A photo op gives classmates one more reason to stick together.

... and more friends.

... and more friends.